New York-based interior designer, painter and home furnishings expert Joe Ginsberg has been sharing his Tips from the Trade on how to better understand a few different crafts within the industry. Yesterday, he shared his love for the art of glass making. Today, he will to tell us how to purchase fine glass art.
GDG: Can you share a brief step-by-step process of glass blowing?
JG: First, clear glass has to be gathered and joined with color in order for it to fuse. From that point various techniques are employed to shape and blow the glass into the particular form you're designing. Once the final form is achieved, the piece is put into a cooling oven called an annealer. Glass comes out of the furnace at 2300 degrees fahrenheit and is cooled to the point of being stable. The length of the cooling process depends on the weight, thickness, and size of the glass object, so patience is key!
GDG: Any advice on what to look for when purchasing glass?
JG: When selecting a glass object, look for pieces that attract you and that you have a feeling for, whether functional or just decorative.
GDG: Do you have a favorite part of the glass making process?
JG: The more time I spend working with this medium, the more I am inspired by its elegance, translucency, and sculptural quality. This material’s versatility allows for it to be forcefully shaped as well as to move about freely. When working with glass you have to be fluid. At times it dictates the process for you, and if you go along with it you can end up with a beautiful unforeseen design that is workable. I love that.
Beautiful images!
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